By 2034, for the first time in United States history, older adults (those 65 years of age and older) are expected to outnumber the population under the age of 18. Ref 41-1 Medina L, Sabo S, Vespa J. Living Longer: Historical and Projected Life Expectancy in The United States, 1960 to 2060. United States Censu... - You do not have permission to view this object.  For the infection preventionist (IP), this change in population composition warrants some knowledge of both geriatrics, the medical focus of aging, and gerontology, the broader study of the complexities of aging. Ref 41-2 Saxon S, Etten, MJ, Perkins, EA. Physical Changing and Aging: A Guide for the Helping Professions. 7th ed. Springer; 2022. - You do not have permission to view this object.  Several age-related physical changes and health determinants, including economic stability, education, social environments, and healthcare access, impact health outcomes as we age. Both chronic disease and infectious disease cause significant morbidity and mortality in older adults, with infectious diseases accounting for one-third of all deaths in older adults. Ref 41-3 Mouton CP, Bazaldua OV, Pierce B, Espino DV. Common infections in older adults. Am Fam Physician. 2001;63(2):257-68. https://pubmed.ncbi.n... - You do not have permission to view this object.  However, it is important to note that while certain aspects of the aging process may predispose older adults to illness, normal aging is not synonymous with disease. Ref 41-2 Saxon S, Etten, MJ, Perkins, EA. Physical Changing and Aging: A Guide for the Helping Professions. 7th ed. Springer; 2022. - You do not have permission to view this object.  Chronological aging is associated with lessened reserve capacity but, nonetheless, aging is highly individualized. Ref 41-2 Saxon S, Etten, MJ, Perkins, EA. Physical Changing and Aging: A Guide for the Helping Professions. 7th ed. Springer; 2022. - You do not have permission to view this object.  The aging population becomes more heterogeneous than homogeneous in terms of biological, psychological, and social aging. Ref 41-2 Saxon S, Etten, MJ, Perkins, EA. Physical Changing and Aging: A Guide for the Helping Professions. 7th ed. Springer; 2022. - You do not have permission to view this object.  Therefore, while an older adult is typically defined by chronological age and described by morbidity and mortality risk, the health of all older adults is a cumulation of life-long experiences, and prevention and control measures must take this diversity into account within the population defined as older adults.